Monday, May 21, 2012

Debbie Sams: Torso Leaning Forward, Collapsed Chest

Part 5 in the “Deep Seat” series

Problem
The rider collapses the chest by allowing the rib cage to sink toward the abdomen in a somewhat fetal position (Illus.17). This position is a natural defense position that is detrimental to riding because it will cause the rider to bounce and not be able to move with the horse.

Illus. 17 and 18

Solution
Same as arched back — Start with the arched back exercises if you determine that the problem originates in the hips (see Part 4 in the "Deep Seat" series).

Lift chest — Next think of the bottom of the rib cage and lift it upward so the chest is no longer collapsed and the abdomen muscles are elongated (Illus. 18).
Read Part 1 (Sticking to Your Horse with a Deep Seat) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 2 (Deep Seat versus Light Seat) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 3 - (Deep Seat Problem and Solution) in the "Deep Seat" series
Read Part 4 - (Arched Back — Problems and Solutions) in the "Deep Seat" series

Debbie Sams teaches English and Western riding with an emphasis on dressage. At her Springer's Stables in Broadalbin, New York, she also teaches drill team and vaulting. Her farm gives pony parties and holds horse camps for scouts and local community college and elementary school youth programs, as well as for the Sacandaga Bible Conference and Retreat Center. Debbie has been teaching drama and drill team on horseback since 1979; in 1985 she became a Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor. She is the author of 101 Drill Team Exercises and has also put her horse knowledge to work in writing for such publications as Practical Horseman, Equus, and the Northeast Horseman’s Journal.

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